What is this medicine?

ERYTHROMYCIN, SULFISOXAZOLE (er ith roe MYE sin, sul fi SOX a zole) is combination of a macrolide and a sulfonamide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma

glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

kidney disease

liver disease

myasthenia gravis

an unusual or allergic reaction to erythromycin, sulfisoxazole, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not use in children under 2 months old.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

arsenic trioxide

cisapride

dihydroergotamine, ergotamine

droperidol

grepafloxacin

medicines for cholesterol like lovastatin, simvastatin

medicines for heart rhythm like disopyramide, dofetilide

mesoridazine

pimozide

ranolazine

red yeast rice

sparfloxacin

thioridazine

vinblastine

ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

bromocriptine

carbamazepine

cilostazol

cyclosporine

digoxin

medicines for anxiety or sleep like alprazolam, triazolam

medicines for diabetes

medicines for seizures like hexobarbital and phenytoin

methotrexate

methylprednisolone

other antibiotics

quinidine

sildenafil, vardenafil

tacrolimus

theophylline

warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Drink several glasses of water a day as directed. You must not get dehydrated.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

confused, dizzy, trouble walking

dark urine

difficulty breathing, cough

fever, flu like symptoms, sore throat

hearing loss

increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

irregular heartbeat, feeling faint

low blood sugar

pain or difficulty passing urine

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

unusual bruising, bleeding

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):